0.7 Chapter 2. section 2.3.2. application of inert gases.

Chapter 2. Section 2.3.2. Application of Inert Gases.

Helium- Helium is used as a component of breathing gases due to its low solubility in fluids or lipids.  For example, gases are absorbed by the blood and body tissues when under pressure during scuba diving. Because of its reduced solubility, little helium is taken into cell membranes, when it replaces part of the breathing mixture, helium causes a decrease in the narcotic effect of the gas at far depths.  The reduced amount of dissolved gas in the body means fewer gas bubbles form decreasing the pressure of the ascent. Helium and Argon are used to shield welding arcs and the surrounding base metal from the atmosphere during welding. 

Helium is used in very low temperature cryogenics, particularly for maintaining superconductors at a very low temperature.  Superconductivity is useful for creating very strong magnetic fields. Helium is also the most common carrier gas in gas chromatography .  

Neon- Neon is used for many applications that we see in daily life. For examples: Neon lights, fog lights, TV cine-scopes, lasers, voltage detectors, luminous warnings and also advertising signs. The most popular applications of Neon would be the Neon tubes that we see for advertisement or elaborate decorations. These neon tubes consist with neon and helium or argon under low pressure submitted to electrical discharges. The color of emitted light shown is dependent on the composition of the gaseous mixture and also with the color of the glass of the tube. Pure Neon within a colorless tube can obtain a red light, which reflects a blue shine. These reflected light are also known as fluorescent light.

Argon- Argon is used for a diverse group of applications in the growing industries of : electronics, lighting, glass, and metal fabrications. Argon is used in electronics to provide a protective heat transfer medium for ultra-pure semiconductors from silicon crystals and for growing germanium. Argon can also fill fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs; creating the blue light found in neon type lamps. By utilizing argon's low thermal conductivity, window manufacturers can provide a gas barrier needed to produce double-pane insulated windows. This insulation barrier improves the windows' energy efficiency. Argon also creates an inert gas shield during welding; to flush out melted metals to eliminate porosity in casting; and to provide an oxygen-and-nitrogen free environment for annealing and rolling metals and alloys.

Krypton- Just like argon, krypton can be found in energy efficient windows. It is also found in fuel sources, lasers and headlights. It is estimated that 30% of energy efficient windows sold in Germany and England are filled with krypton; approximately 1.8 liters of krypton. Being more thermally efficient, krypton is sometimes chosen over argon as a choice for insulation. Krypton can be found in lasers which works as a control for a desired optic wavelength. It is usually mixed with a halogen (most likely fluorine) to produce typically called "excimer" lasers. Krypton is sometimes used within halogen sealed beam headlights. These headlights produces up to double the light output of standard headlights for a brighter gleam. Also, Krypton is used for high performance light bulbs which have higher color temperatures and efficiency because it reduces the rate of evaporation of the filament.